Bhopal: The 39th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) began in Bhopal on August 30, bringing together an unprecedented gathering of 1,200 delegates at the Taj Lakefront. This four-day convention is one of the largest conventions in the history of IATO and serves as a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultural heritage of India and provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss the future of tourism in the country.
The convention was inaugurated in the presence of distinguished guests, including Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Tourism; Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh; Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State with Independent Charge for Madhya Pradesh; Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary for Tourism, Madhya Pradesh, and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board; Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO; and Ravi Gosain, Vice President and Convention Chairman of IATO, among others.
In his keynote address, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the immense potential of the tourism sector in India and the need for concerted efforts to capitalize on it. He highlighted the commitment of the government to create a conducive environment for tourism growth, including infrastructure development, destination promotion, and policy reforms. “With the way India is growing, I believe we will witness a fivefold increase in tourist arrivals over the next five years. But where will we accommodate them? We need to create more destinations, and for this, the government requires the support of stakeholders and the private sector,” he remarked.
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Shekhawat also discussed the evolving global perception of India and the growing opportunities in domestic tourism, driven by an increase in disposable income among the middle class. “Our focus should be on improving the tourist experience through healthy competition among states and continuous dialogue. Currently, India holds 7% of the global tourism market. Our goal is to increase this share in the next two to three years,” he added.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav echoed the sentiments expressed by Shekhawat, highlighting the strong capability of Madhya Pradesh to attract international visitors. “Madhya Pradesh offers unique attractions that can draw visitors from around the world, and this convention is an opportunity to showcase our offerings,” Yadav said.
Rajiv Mehra, IATO President, underscored the overwhelming turnout for this year’s convention, noting the industry eagerness to engage and the renewed support from the Ministry of Tourism. He urged the Minister to address critical concerns, including the revival of the NDA scheme, which has been suspended for the past four years, and the need for greater participation in international travel marts.
The theme for this year, “Resurgent India Inbound,” represents a commitment to surpass pre-pandemic levels and reflects a shared vision for the future. Madhya Pradesh has tremendous prospects, which will be showcased through post-convention tours, assisting in the inclusion of destinations in Madhya Pradesh in future itineraries,” Mehra remarked.
Ravi Gosain, addressing the audience, expanded on the theme, “Resurgent India Inbound,” stating that it is not merely a slogan but a guiding vision. “This theme will steer the growth of Incredible India, emphasizing sustainability, responsible tourism, spiritual tourism, and beyond,” he declared.
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The convention features a series of panel discussions and presentations on various aspects of tourism, including sustainable tourism, heritage tourism, and digital marketing. Delegates also had the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Bhopal and its rich cultural heritage.
The opening of the convention also included the prestigious Hall of Fame Award, presented posthumously to M. L. Rajdan of Rajdan Holidays. The award was accepted by Anita Rajdan, his daughter-in-law. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, also received a Hall of Fame award during the event.
